Breeds of Goats
Nigerian Dwarf
By Tom Rucker
Oct 27, 2002, 9:11pm

JUDGING THE NIGERIAN DWARF

American Goat Society Descriptive Breed Standard

Nigerian Dwarf Doe - from West Africa
Conformation - Short stature, long bodied, wide but refined, standing no more than 22.4 inches at the withers
Head - Moderate length, lean, refined, straight nose
Ears - Medium length, narrow, alert
Neck - Moderately long, feminine but not too refined, no dewlap
Body - Long, deep, wide, with level topline and slightly sloping rump, well-sprung ribs especially at rear of barrel
Legs and feet - Short, refined, widely set, straight, short pastern
Coat - Short, straight, with loose, pliable skin
Color - Any color or combination of colors
Udder - Wide, deep, capacious, strongly attached, soft pliable, wide conical teats

Nigerian Dwarf Buck - from West Africa
Conformation - Short, strong, wide, standing no more than 23.6 inches at the withers
Head - Moderate length, lean, strong, straight nose
Ears - Medium length, narrow, alert
Neck - Moderately long, heavy, masculine
Body - Long, deep, wide, level topline with slightly sloping shorter rump
Legs and feet - Short, strong, widely set, straight, short pasterns
Coat - Short, straight, heavy beard and mane
Color - Any color or combination
Reproductive organs - Well developed and supported with even rudimentary teats

Comparison of Primary Conformation Differences

The Nigerian Dwarf has the physical proportions of a Saanen or Alpine, but with short stature instead of height being the advantage. There are only 3.6 inches difference between the maximum Nigerian height and the minimum Toggenburg height. The Nigerian shows the balanced proportions of the larger Swiss breeds, but it may carry a little more weight than they. The face is straight but there may be a break between the eyes. The medium-length ears are alert and upright. The coat is straight with short to medium length hair. Maximum height is 22.4” for does and 23.6” for bucks. All colors are acceptable.

Breed-Specific Faults
(From A.G.S. JUDGES AND BREEDERS GUIDE TO PROPER EVALUATION IN FAULTING)

DISQUALIFICATIONS - Nigerian Dwarf - curly coat, roman nose, pendulous ears, over 23.6” for bucks, 22.4” for does
(Evidence of Myatonia [fainting] is a disqualification for all AGS breeds, but is sometimes listed as a breed-specific disqualification for the Nigerian Dwarf.)

Measuring of Miniature Breeds
(From AMERICAN GOAT SOCIETY SHOW RULES)

1. Every animal will be measured by the judge in the ring. Every animal measuring within one inch either direction of the height requirement will be taken to a solid platform to be remeasured according to rules 2, 3, and 4.

2. A standardized measuring device approved by the AGS judges committee will be used.

3. Animal measured will be in show stance with head up and all four legs set squarely underneath. Handler’s hands on collar only.

4. Animal will be measured at the highest point of the withers, perpendicular to the front leg, no further back than point of elbow.

5. All champion and reserves will be measured according to above rules and height entered on Awards Report.